The Thatch Rahan

Just what Tullamore needed - another pub claiming to be the heart and soul of the midlands. The Thatch Rahan swooped in with its grand canal-side location and promises of being more than your average Irish watering hole. I'll admit, I arrived with my skepticism meter dialed up to eleven, ready to dismiss it as yet another mediocre attempt at combining traditional pub charm with modern amenities. Spoiler alert: I left slightly less cynical than usual, and that's saying something.

Let's address the elephant in the room - The Thatch Rahan's location in Tullamore is actually rather inspired. Nestled alongside the Grand Canal like some postcard-perfect Irish scene, it's the kind of spot that makes you wonder if they paid extra for the setting. The exterior has that carefully cultivated "authentic Irish pub" look that usually makes me roll my eyes, but here it somehow works without feeling forced.

Walking in, I was prepared for the usual disappointing revelation that the charm was merely facade-deep. Instead, I found myself begrudgingly impressed by the way they've managed to balance traditional elements with modern comfort. The pellet stove (yes, they've gone modern with the heating) creates an atmosphere that's cozy without being suffocating - a rare achievement in Irish pubs where "atmosphere" often means "can't see across the room."

The bar setup is surprisingly well-thought-out, with multiple serving areas that prevent the dreaded bottleneck during busy periods. It's almost as if someone actually considered customer flow patterns instead of just cramming in as many taps as possible. The Guinness - and I say this through gritted teeth - is poured with the kind of care that would make Arthur himself shed a tear. The perfect temperature, the proper settling time, the right head - it's annoyingly well-executed.

For those who prefer their entertainment more structured, they've managed to create spaces that work for both sports watching and live music without either activity drowning out the other. It's the kind of thoughtful design that makes you wonder if they hired an actual architect instead of just following the "Traditional Irish Pub in a Box" manual.

The outdoor seating area deserves special mention, not because it's revolutionary, but because it actually takes advantage of its canal-side setting without becoming a theme park version of itself. It's perfect for those days when the Irish weather decides to be uncharacteristically pleasant, offering views that almost make you forget you're paying mid-range prices for your pint.

Speaking of prices - they're firmly in the "reasonable enough that you can't really complain but expensive enough to notice" category. The value proposition becomes clearer when you factor in the quality of both drinks and finger food, which rises above the usual frozen-and-fried suspects you find in most pubs.

The staff, contrary to my expectations of forced cheerfulness, display a genuine warmth that's hard to fake. They're knowledgeable about their products without being pretentious, efficient without being rushed, and - most importantly - seem to actually enjoy their work. It's unsettling how refreshing this is.

For groups, The Thatch Rahan in Tullamore proves surprisingly accommodating, with space for over 100 people without feeling like a cattle market. The multiple bars mean you're never waiting too long for service, even during peak times. It's the kind of place that makes event planning less of a headache and more of a mild inconvenience.

The parking situation (free, thankfully) is ample enough that you won't have to perform any creative interpretation of traffic laws. They've also embraced modern payment methods, so you won't have to make that awkward ATM trek when your card tap doesn't work - a small detail that shouldn't be noteworthy in 2024, but somehow still is.

Look, I didn't want to like The Thatch Rahan. It goes against my nature to praise establishments that seem to have their act together. But if you're in Tullamore and looking for a spot that combines traditional pub atmosphere with modern conveniences, that offers good drinks with actually edible food, and that manages to be both local pub and destination venue simultaneously... well, you could do a lot worse. And coming from me, that's practically a love letter.